Japan for a prosperous Sri Lanka - Hobo

Chaminda Perera

Japan yesterday reiterated that the country wants to see a prosperous Sri Lanka and all their assistance to Sri Lanka is meant to achieve this goal. Japanese ambassador to Sri Lanka Nubuhito Hobo says Japan is focusing assistance in Sri Lanka for peace and reconstruction and the long and short term vision for development.

The Japanese envoy was speaking at the signing in ceremony for a livelihood assistance project for returnees in the North and East.

This project, funded by the Japanese government under its Japan - NGO cooperation grant scheme, is implemented by the Japan Emergency NGO (JEN).

The ambassador and JEN Administration and Finance officer exchanged the agreement.

The Japanese Government provided Rs. 90 million for the project yesterday which will be implemented by the JEN in the North and the East.

The project has envisaged to ensure stable water , livelihood and food security of the returnees by constructing agro wells and providing necessary tools such as water pumps, seeds and plants.

Ambassador Hobo said Japan has given priority to the livelihood assistance of the returnees in the North and the East.

"Japan has extended support for the infrastructure development projects, resettlement of IDPs and reintegration of former combatants", he added.

He noted that the assistance provided by the Japanese Government towards the development at grass roots level is highly appreciated by the people and the Government of Sri Lanka.

The Ambassador was of the view that the people in the North and the East still require support for livelihood development and his country is ready to provide further assistance in coordination with the Government of Sri Lanka Administration and Financial Officer of GEN Chisa Watanabe said her organization has implemented a number of projects in Sri Lanka to improve their livelihood programs.